So, the other day, at a semi-formal event representing my boss, an older gentleman approached me and started making small talk. After a bit, he commented on how young I seemed, I couldn't be older than 31. I chuckled and told him that my 24th Birthday is next week, and that killed the conversation. He was embarrassed that his guess was 7 years off, and I was a bit offended that anyone would think I'm in my thirties just yet.

Ha, poor Phelix

1. Would you be offended if someone guessed you were 7 years older than you are?

No, I'd suspect they were legally blind.

2. Do you think people assume "professionals" have to be older than 24?

Yes

3. What would you do if someone guessed that far off on your age?

Laugh and ask them to share whatever they're on.

4. Is it better to be perceived as your actual age, or to be perceived as older/more mature? Is it better to be perceived as younger?

Older is nice, shows maturity. But I suppose as you get older, looking younger would be more of the general goal.

5. I should just get over it, and realize that one guy is bad at guessing ages... right?

No dude, you just look old.